Dangerous Motorcycle Types
When thinking about motorcycle injuries, not all motorcycles are created equal. It is true that much of your safety on a motorcycle comes from actions taken by you, the rider. Doing things like wearing an appropriate and properly fitted helmet and proper protective gear can reduce much of your risk. Traveling on known roads at the speed limit also reduces risk. But many riders do not understand that their choice of bike also impacts their safety on the road. Many motorcycle accident lawyers in Las Vegas will confirm that bike type makes a big difference when evaluating motorcycle crash safety.
Street bikes
Street bikes are also known as sport bikes. They are known for their high speeds and large, loud engines. These bikes can be extremely dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. Regardless of the size of the engine on the motorcycle, many street or sport bikes are capable of achieving speeds of over 200 miles per hour—without any modifications. While traveling at that rate of speed might be relatively safe for a professional on an enclosed track, it is generally not appropriate for the average driver. And it is certainly not appropriate on public roads.
Traveling at speeds of hundreds of miles per hour also means more opportunities to lose control of the bike. This is especially problematic because sport bikes tend to attract buyers under age 30. Unfortunately, according to the NHTSA, motorcyclists under age 30 comprised over half of the fatalities involving sport bikes in the last five years.
Cruiser bikes
When you think of a motorcycle in America, you’re probably thinking of a cruiser-style bike. A cruiser is your classic Harley-Davidson bike just begging to be taken out on the open road. Cruisers make up over half of all motorcycle sales. By simple arithmetic, since there are more cruisers on the road than any other style of bike, it is inevitable that more accidents will involve them.
Cruiser culture may contribute to the danger. While the classic Harley style is an iconic part of American culture, this type of bike comes with a few not-so-obvious risks. Cruiser riders, especially those newer to riding motorcycles, may be more interested in style than safety. In those cases, they may choose less-safe helmets, ill-fitting helmets, or opt to forgo helmets entirely. Cruisers also have a leaned-back seat, forcing a riding style that often bedevils newer riders and can throw them off-balance. Add these things together, and you can have a recipe for disaster.
“Retro” bikes
Retro or older motorcycles, motorcycle building kits, and other customizable options are stripped-down motorcycles that can offer a rider a chance to ride a unique creation. These premium custom options at a discount price make “retro” and “kit” bikes popular among riders of all ages and experience levels. But not all bike owners are competent mechanics. These modifications to their motorcycles may make them unsafe to drive.
Touring bikes
Touring bikes are designed to accommodate motorcyclists on long rides. They are designed to be heavier, with some of the more practical, car-like accessories that do not feature on other types of motorcycles. Some touring bikes are even equipped for on- and off-road situations.
While these bikes and their riders do not usually travel at very high speeds, tourers are likely to be on the road for longer periods of time. Touring bikes are also typically twice the weight of the average sport bike. This is a benefit for withstanding harsh road conditions on long drives, but the additional bulk can make touring motorcycles harder to control.
Touring bikes are typically enjoyed by older riders. While this means the riders usually do have motorcycle experience, unfortunately, it also means that the riders may be slower to react to an emergency. In one study by the International Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 64% of fatalities that involved a touring motorcycle also involved a rider over the age of 50.
Dirt bikes
Dirt bikes are designed for taking jumps and riding off-road courses and trails. Like sport and street bikes, these bikes are favored by younger riders. Usually, young and inexperienced riders enjoy dirt bikes for their speed. Many also like the off-roading component as well.
In this case, it isn’t so much the bike itself that is dangerous, but the way it is used. Dirt bikes are at home along narrow dirt tracks up in the mountains or on twisting courses with jumps and moguls. Combined with the rough, sometimes uneven terrain and a top speed of over 100 miles per hour, it’s no wonder dirt bikes are dangerous.
Dirt biking carries the same risks as other off-road activities. You may become injured and be unable to call for help due to low or no cell phone or GPS signal. It may take emergency personnel a long time to arrive.
Motorcycle accidents tend to involve more serious injuries to begin with since the rider is more exposed than in a car. As a result, prompt medical treatment can be the difference between recovery or significant long-term injuries.
